Christian Stadelmann, Leader of the 2nd Violins

Ensembles:

Boards:

Fünferrat (Council of Five) (1991-2004, 2005-06, since 2009)

»We second violins always have to find the right balance: on the one hand it’s necessary to give our part an independent profile (which because of its lower register is often not easy), but, on the other, we also frequently have the task of mediating between the first violins and the ›rest‹ of the orchestra in order to foster unity. You can actually see that in the two seating arrangements in which we operate: either ›outside‹, opposite the first violins, where independence is emphasized; or ›inside‹, where it’s much easier for us to promote good ensemble playing. And, because it’s so hard to reduce these two aspects to a common denominator, not every violinist can become a second...«

His parents picked out an instrument for their seven-year-old son: it was the violin and Christian Stadelmann didn’t resist, but his real enthusiasm was sparked by his first violin teacher. He owes Charlotte Hampe a large debt of gratitude, the musician says. She taught him until he began his studies with Thomas Brandis at Berlin’s Hochschule der Künste. Christian Stadelmann played first in the Junge Deutsche Philharmonie. With the Berliner Philharmoniker, he played for two years in the second violins before becoming a section leader in 1987.
Stadelmann also teaches in the Philharmonic’s Orchestra Academy. Together with three of his orchestra colleagues, this devoted chamber player belongs to the Philharmonia Quartet, and, along with Dietmar Schwalke (cello) and Alexander Malter (piano), is a member of the Vincent Trio. His other interests include medieval book illustration and he’s also a passionate book collector – almost fanatical, he emphasizes with a twinkle in his eye.